Publications - T

Tasmanian Health Plan

The Australian Government is supporting Tasmanians by investing in new mental health and primary care initiatives, new health infrastructure and new medical research that will mean real, on‑the‑ground benefits for all Tasmanians.

• Cancer
• Research and development
• Hospitals
• Mental health
• Primary health care
• Diagnostic imaging

Talking about what matters videos

• Palliative care

The Australian Sentinel Practices Research Network, 1 January to 31 March 2017

The Australian Sentinel Practices Research Network was established in 1991 to provide a rapid, national, monitoring scheme for infectious diseases that can alert public health officials of epidemics before they arise. The network consists of general practitioners, throughout all 8 states and territories in Australia, who report presentations on a number of defined medical conditions each week. This report presents data from the 1st quarter of 2017 (1 January to 31 March) and includes the syndromic surveillance of influenza-like-illness, gastroenteritis, chicken pox, and shingles, and the virological surveillance of respiratory viruses including influenza A, influenza B, RSV and rhinovirus.

• Communicable diseases

The epidemiology of tuberculosis in the Australia Capital Territory, 2006-2015

This paper reviews surveillance data to describe the epidemiology of tuberculosis in the Australian Capital Territory over a 10 year period between 2006 and 2015.

• Communicable diseases

Tuberculosis screening in an aged care residential facility in a low-incidence setting

This is a retrospective cohort study of tuberculosis contact tracing and screening in an elderly residential facility in Victoria. In the absence of specific guidelines regarding an optimal test for this population, 18 residents were tested with both tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), and all underwent symptom assessment and chest x-ray (CXR).

• Communicable diseases

Tuberculosis notifications in Australia, 2014

In 2014, the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System received 1,339 tuberculosis (TB) notifications, representing a rate of 5.7 per 100,000 population. Australia has achieved and maintained good tuber¬culosis (TB) control since the mid-1980s, sustaining a low annual TB incidence rate of approximately 5 to 6 cases per 100,000 population. The number of multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases diagnosed in Australia is low by international standards, with approximately 1-2% of notifications per year being classified as MDR-TB. Australia’s overseas-born pop¬ulation continued to represent the majority (86%) of TB notifications and Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population continue to record TB rates around 6 times higher than the Australian born non Indigenous population. Whilst Australia has achieved excellent and sustained control of TB in Australia, sustained effort is still required to reduce rates further and contribute to the achievement of the World Health Organization’s goal to end the global TB epidemic by 2035.

• Communicable diseases

The effects of culture independent diagnostic testing on the diagnosis and reporting of enteric bacterial pathogens in Queensland, 2010 to 2014

This article discusses how the introduction of culture independent diagnostic testing into pathology laboratories in Queensland has impacted diagnosis and reporting of gastrointestinal illness. The article focuses on Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella and Yersinia, and shows that the incidence of all four pathogens increased after the introduction of culture independent diagnostic testing. While this change in testing improves detection of pathogens, it doesn’t provide a bacterial culture for further characterisation or antimicrobial susceptibility testing. It is recommended that laboratories continue to perform culture of specimens in addition to culture independent diagnostic testing.

• Communicable diseases

The Mental health of children and adolescents

Report on the second Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing.

• Mental health
• Youth health

Tackling Indigenous Smoking and Healthy Lifestyle Programme Review 2014

The Tackling Indigenous Smoking and Healthy Lifestyle Programme Review was undertaken by the University of Canberra in 2014 to provide advice on how best to deliver effective, evidence based approaches to reducing chronic disease among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

Tackling Indigenous Smoking and Healthy Lifestyle Programme Review 2014

The Tackling Indigenous Smoking and Healthy Lifestyle Programme Review was undertaken by the University of Canberra in 2014 to provide advice on how best to deliver effective, evidence based approaches to reducing chronic disease among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

The Baseline Report and the First Monitoring Report

These reports cover the first two years of Indigenous Chronic Disease Package (ICDP) implementation.

The Characteristics of culturally competent maternity care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women

This document identifies the characteristics of culturally competent maternity care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as required under action 2.2 of the National Maternity Services Plan.

• Maternal Health

Treatment service users (TSU) project: phase two

This project implemented consumer participation demonstration projects in a variety of drug treatment settings in Australia. It followed the phase one research project which recommended a series of priority actions to support education and training in relation to consumer participation.

• Drugs and substance abuse

Trachoma Surveillance Reports

Reports from the National Trachoma Surveillance and Reporting Unit (NTSRU) on trachoma screening and management data.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

Tobacco resources

List of tobacco-related resources.

• Tobacco

Tips for parents: kids 5-11

Advice for parents on helping children deal with loss and change and problems relating to fitting in at school.

• Child health
• Mental health

Tips for parents: relationships

Advice to parents on relationships, including making time to be together, dealing with family breakup and getting support.

• Mental health

Tips for parents: babies

Advice for parents on how to survive the first year with a new baby.

• Infant Health
• Mental health

Tips for parents: kids 1-4

Advice for parents on managing and improving behaviour for children aged one to four years.

• Child health
• Mental health

Tips for parents: adolescents

Advice for parents on how to communicate with adolescents and when and where to seek help.

• Youth health
• Mental health

The Impact of the PBS Reform - Report to the Parliament

The following page shows the Impact of PBS Reform - Report to Parliament

• Pharmaceutical benefits
• Prescribed drugs
• Pharmacy

Technical report: evaluation of the effectiveness of the graphic health warnings on tobacco product packaging 2008

Data collection and methodology considerations of the evaluation of the graphic health warnings on tobacco products.

• Tobacco

The Mental health of Australians 2: report on the 2007 national survey of mental health and wellbeing

This report presents a comprehensive summary of the results of the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. It provides information on the prevalence of mental disorders, their severity, associated suicidality, and comorbidity with other mental disorders and physical conditions, as well as what services people use for their mental health problems.

• Mental health

Trachoma Surveillance Report 2006 to 2010

 Historical reports from the National Trachoma Surveillance and Reporting Unit (NTSRU)

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
• Eye health

The National Slips and Falls Prevention Project

This resource was developed from two (2) Falls Prevention Projects developed by Queensland Department of Health and modifying and adapting resources developed by Home and Community Care (HACC) providers, carers and their clients in Western Australia and was funded by the Department of Health and Ageing.

Technical report: evaluation of the effectiveness of the graphic health warnings on tobacco product packaging 2008

This is the supporting document to the 2008 evaluation of the graphic health warnings on tobacco products. It covers the data collection and methodology considerations of the evaluation.

• Tobacco

The Link Between Primary Health Care and Health Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

This report explores international and domestic links between primary health care systems on the health of Indigenous populations.

The National Diabetes Services Scheme Agreement

Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Health and Diabetes Australia for The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)

• Diabetes

The National Hepatitis C Strategy 2005-2008

The National Hepatitis C Strategy provides a foundation for national action that will guide Australia’s response to hepatitis C over the next three years.

• Communicable diseases
• Diseases and conditions
• Hepatitis C

The National HIV/AIDS Strategy 2005-2008: Revitalising Australia’s Response

The National HIV/AIDS Strategy 2005-2008 has identified five priority areas for action to be addressed over the life of the Strategy: development of a targeted prevention education and health promotion program for HIV; improving the health of people living with HIV/AIDS; developing an effective response to the changing care and support needs of people living with HIV/AIDS; a review of the National HIV Testing Policy; and the provision of a clearer direction for HIV/AIDS research.

• HIV & AIDS
• Communicable diseases
• Diseases and conditions

The Medical consequences of smoking "chop-chop" tobacco

This report notes that smoking chop-chop has the potential to induce illness and possible fatality in those who use it.

• Drugs and substance abuse
• Tobacco

The Costs of Illness Attributable to Physical Inactivity in Australia

This monograph presents a preliminary analysis of the costs of illness attributable to physical inactivity, with particular emphasis on coronary heart disease (CHD), non-insulin dependant diabetes (NIDDM) and colon cancer. Other costs of illness attributable to physical inactivity are described, although in less detail.

• Exercise
• Physical activity

The National Public Health Education Framework Project: Final Report 2002

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED

• Research and development

Type 2 Diabetes Costs in Australia - The Potential Impact of Changes in Diet, Physical Activity and Levels of Obesity

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterised by insulin insufficiency or resistance to its action, resulting in poor glycaemic control. The recent Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab) estimated that close to one million (7.5%) Australian adults have diabetes mellitus (Dunstan et al 2001). Type 2 diabetes is the most common form comprising 85 to 90% of those with diabetes mellitus. The most recent cost estimates available suggest approximately $216.7 million in health system costs were attributable to Type 2 diabetes in 1993-94 (Mathers & Penm 1998). In a study of the burden of disease in Australia, diabetes mellitus was estimated to account for 5% of the total burden of disease and was the seventh leading cause of Australian deaths (Mathers, Vos & Stevenson 1999). In addition, complications of diabetes such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney problems, and lower limb amputations, contribute significantly to the overall morbidity and mortality in Australia.

• Exercise
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Physical activity
• Nutrition

Trends in Neural Tube Defects in Australia

In response to mounting evidence from observational studies and randomised trials of the benefits of periconceptional folic acid in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommended that women planning a pregnancy or likely to become pregnant should be offered advice about dietary folate and periconceptional folic acid supplementation. Subsequently an NHMRC Expert Panel on Folate Fortification recommended voluntary folate fortification of foods.

• Research and development
• Nutrition

The Medical consequences of smoking “chop-chop” tobacco

Smoking chop-chop has the potential to induce illness and possible fatality in those who use it.

• Tobacco

Training frontline workers: young people, alcohol and other drugs

Learning resources to assist frontline workers address the needs of young people on issues relating to illicit drugs.

• Drugs and substance abuse
• Alcohol
• Youth health

The Prevention of Substance Use, Risk and Harm in Australia - a review of the evidence

This page contains links to the publication 'The Prevention of Substance Use, Risk and Harm in Australia - a review of the evidence'.

• Drugs
• Illegal drugs

Tri-State HIV/STI Project 2001-2002 Evaluation

This page has a PDF document and contact details in relation to the Tri-state HIV/STI project (TSP).

• HIV & AIDS
• Communicable diseases

The Australian Government Response to the 2002 Reviews of the National HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Strategies

The 2002 Reviews of the National HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Strategies evaluated two of the key public health strategies in Australia. The Australian Government Response to the 2002 Reviews of the National HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Strategies addresses the recommendations of the Reviews and outlines Government policy in relation to HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and related issues.

• HIV & AIDS
• Communicable diseases
• Hepatitis C

The 2003 After Hours Primary Medical Care Symposium - Search for the Supermodels

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED

• Primary health care

The Knowles Report - Independent Advice on the Composition and Modus Operandi of APMAIF and the Scope of the MAIF Agreement

In late 2000, the former Minister for Health and Aged Care, Dr Michael Wooldridge, requested the Hon Rob Knowles to conduct an independent review of the operations of the Panel.

• Infant Health
• Nutrition

The Bridging Study - comparing results from the 1983, 1985 and 1995 Australian national nutrition surveys

This report provides guidelines for comparing results from the 1983 National Dietary Survey, the 1985 National Dietary Survey of School children and the 1995 National Nutrition Survey. The principle finding of the study is that it is inappropriate to directly compare published results from the 1983 and 1985 surveys with those from the 1995 survey to assess trends in the food and nutrient intake of adults and children. Allowances are needed to account for differences in sample design, collection and processing practices, the food composition databases and changes in the demographic composition of the Australian population between these surveys. The bridging study findings enable the results from these three surveys to be used in dietary monitoring in Australia.

• Statistics
• Research and development
• Nutrition

Towards a national system for monitoring breastfeeding in Australia: recommendations for population indicators, definitions and next steps

This report outlines definitions and aspects of breastfeeding that relate to infant health outcomes, current national policies about breastfeeding, the international context, and methods currently used to monitor breastfeeding in Australia. The strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in information are compared with the information that is needed (and users want), to monitor breastfeeding nationally. The objective of this product was to conduct preliminary work and make recommendations that will lead to standardised indicators and questions for inclusion in the National Health Data Dictionary.

• Women's health
• Child health
• Nutrition

The Quality of Australian Healthcare: Current Issues and Future Directions. Occasional Papers: Health Financing Series Volume 6

This is the sixth volume in the series and considers issues associated with the quality of Australian health care services. The paper canvasses some of the issues faced by government in intervening to best support high quality health care. A number of current Commonwealth government interventions are described across a range of regulatory, financing and research and development approaches. The range of national machinery to promote the quality of health care is also described.

Technology, Health and Health Care. Occasional Papers: Health Financing Series Volume 5

This is the fifth volume in the series and examines the role of technology in health care in Australia. This paper does not attempt to provide a comprehensive coverage of all issues relevant to health technology. Instead, it attempts to examine some of the more significant issues in order to introduce the reader to the complexities of the area. It presents, where available, illustrative empirical information, examples and commentary from key researchers, and provides leads into the literature for further reading.

The National Hepatitis C Strategy 1999-2000 to 2003-2004

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: The National Hepatitis C Strategy 1999-2000 to 2003-2004 was launched in June 2000 by the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. The Strategy has two primary aims to reduce the transmission of hepatitis C in Australia, and to minimise the personal and social impacts of hepatitis C infection.

• Communicable diseases
• Diseases and conditions
• Hepatitis C

The National HIV/AIDS Strategy 1999-2000 to 2003-2004: Changes and Challenges

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: The National HIV/AIDS Strategy 1999-2000 to 2003-2004 builds on an important foundation established under previous HIV/AIDS Strategies - the partnership between and with affected communities, governments at all levels, and medical, scientific and healthcare professionals.

• HIV & AIDS
• Communicable diseases
• Diseases and conditions

The management of HIV/AIDS: a resource guide for Indigenous primary health care organisations

This manual aims to increase awareness amongst health workers in Indigenous primary health care organisations of the needs of Indigenous people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

• HIV & AIDS
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
• Communicable diseases

The Use of Antibiotics in Food-Producing Animals: Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Animals and Humans

Antibiotics are used to treat and prevent infectious bacterial diseases in humans and in domestic and food-producing animals.

• Antibiotic resistance

The Ageing Australian Population and Future Health Costs: 1996-2051. Occasional Papers: New Series Number 7

This study projects future health costs attributable to the progressive ageing of the Australian population based on extensive administrative data on medical practitioner visits (to GPs and specialists), prescription drug consumption and hospital admissions. Scenarios based on these cost data were applied to projections of the Australian population by age and sex out to 2051 — by which time the transient effects of the 'baby-boom' cohort will have worked their way through the system.

• Health care systems

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 8

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 8.6 Cannabinoids as analgesics.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 7

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 7.6 Does cannabis use cause psychotic disorders?

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 5

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 5.3 Tolerance to acute effects.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 8

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 8.9 The limitations of anecdotal evidence

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 8

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: The therapeutic effects of cannabinoids.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 7

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: A list of references used in Chapter 7.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 7

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: National Drug Strategy Monograph Series No. 25.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 6

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: A list of references used in chapter 6.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 4

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 4.4 Routes of administration.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 4

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: 4.2 The cannabinoid receptor.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 8

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 8.3 Cannabinoids as anti-glaucoma agents.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 8

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 8.10 The politics of therapeutic cannabinoid use.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 4

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 4.3 Forms of cannabis.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 4

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 4.5 Dosage.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 8

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 8.7 Other possible therapeutic uses.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 8

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: A list of references used in Chapter 8.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 4

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: A list of references used in Chapter 4.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 4

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: National Drug Strategy Monograph Series No. 25.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 3

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 3.2 Evidential desiderata.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 6

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 6.5 Reproductive effects of cannabis.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 4

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 4.6 Patterns of use.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 7

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 7.3 Is there a cannabis dependence syndrome?

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 9

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 9.2 Two special concerns.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 5

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 5.2 Toxic dose levels.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 5

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: National Drug Strategy Monograph Series No. 25.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 9

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: A list of references used in chapter 9.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 5

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 5.4 Psychomotor effects.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 9

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 9.3 A comparative appraisal of health risks: alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 6

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 6.2 Immunological effects.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 8

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 8.5 Cannabinoids as anti-asthmatic agents.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 7

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 7.2 Psychological adjustment in adults.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 6

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 6.4 Effects on the respiratory system.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 7

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 7.5 Chronic cannabis use and brain damage.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 9

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 9.1 Summary of the major adverse health and psychological effects of acute and chronic cannabis use.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 8

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 8.4 Cannabinoids and neurological disorders.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 4

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 4.9 Intoxication and levels of cannabinoids.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 6

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: National Drug Strategy Monograph Series No. 25.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 4

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 4.7 Metabolism of cannabinoids.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 8

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 8.2 Cannabinoids as anti-emetic agents.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 7

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 7.4 Effects of chronic cannabis use on cognitive functioning.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 4

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 4.10 Passive inhalation.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 1

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: National Drug Strategy Monograph Series No. 25.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 9

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 9.4 Implications for harm reduction.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 3

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: National Drug Strategy Monograph Series 25.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 6

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 6.3 Cardiovascular effects.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 5

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: A list of References used in chapter 5.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 5

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 5.5 Interactions between cannabis and other drugs.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 4

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 4.8 Detection of cannabinoids in body fluids.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 3

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: A list of references for Chapter 3 of this monograph.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 2

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: National Drug Strategy Monograph Series No. 25 introduction.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 8

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 8.8 Cannabis and AIDS.

The health and psychological consequences of cannabis use - chapter 8

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: Chapter 8.11 Conclusions.

The Health and Psychological Consequences of Cannabis Use

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN RESCINDED: National Drug Strategy Monograph Series No. 25.

• Drugs
• Drugs and substance abuse
• Illegal drugs